Charges remain against couple who nursed injured deer

CONNERSVILLE, IN (WAVE) - An Indiana couple is facing criminal charges after nursing a sick deer back to health.

Jeff and Jennifer Counceller found the severely injured deer they named Dani a few months ago. The couple took her in and nursed her back to health.

A Department of Natural Resources officer later contacted the couple and told them they needed a permit to keep the doe. Their permit request was turned down and Indiana DNR said they had to put Dani down.

Dani escaped before being put down and Wednesday prosecutors said the criminal charges against the couple will not be dropped.

Decatur County Prosecutor Doug Brown explained, "We are restricted from trying the case in the media. It is very clear in the rules of professional conduct. And there is no reason to believe these charges will change? No."

DNR officials said they will not comment on matters going to trial.

Dani the deer is still alive and living with a large group of deer behind the Councellers' home.